Katie caught up with experienced Pilates teacher Emma Clarke to discover what to look for in a Pilates retreat and how Pilates can help restore the body.
Why did you decide to train as a Pilates teacher?
I had been practicing Pilates myself for many years but it was not until I had a life-threatening injury that Pilates came into its own. After a very serious horse-riding accident I was left with breathing and strength issues that were quite debilitating. Pilates helped realign and strengthen my body and helped adjust and adapt my breathing. It was from this moment that I wanted to help others realise the benefits of Pilates and how it can restore the body. I love teaching and seeing clients progress and Pilates is suitable for anyone, regardless of age, gender or ability.
Clients often turn to Pilates when they have had an injury or illness but Pilates compliments many sporting activities as well as daily life!
How is your practice unique to you?
As a healthcare practitioner for over 30 years, I have been helping people through illness and injury. With a radiographic background, I have been imaging the internal structure and function of our bodies for many years and I apply this knowledge by teaching Pilates to help restore the outer and the inner body.
As well as teaching classical mat-based Pilates, I also have an interest in rehabilitative Pilates and have trained as a post rehabilitative Breast Cancer exercise specialist. I teach a dedicated class for these clients and for clients recovering from any cancer/illness or injury, as well as running workshops.
I am also a Move More Ambassador, which is part of a Derby network supporting those who may find it difficult to start exercising.
Pilates is adaptable to any fitness level and need and by using my knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and client care, individual adaptions can be used to help achieve maximum results in small, friendly, focused groups.
What can people expect from one of your retreats?
Our lives are often so busy that my retreats give you the opportunity to spend some time nurturing yourself whilst we reconnect and rebalance our bodies in beautiful surroundings. By using key Pilates principles and fundamentals, you develop an awareness in rebalancing your body which helps develop your control, concentration and alignment. Classes all have a different focus so you can work the body holistically. There are other activities such as walks, massages, reiki, sound etc offered, as well as connecting with other like-minded people. Clients can do as little or as much as they would like as it's important to have relaxation time as well.
For those who have thought about joining a Pilates class, what should they look for in a teacher?
Classes should not be too big so teachers can give you that focus and attention. It may be easy to do certain movements but it is about executing them correctly following the underlying Pilates principals and fundamentals. Teachers should be able to give you that hands on approach. Look for a Level 3 trained teacher.
What are the benefits of Pilates on an individual's health and well-being?
Pilates is about working with and not against our bodies, it’s about movement and rebalancing our bodies. Pilates uses controlled movements and is beneficial in improving strength, flexibility, co-ordination and breathing and often targets the deeper muscles, thereby working from the inside to the outside. Other benefits include;
Increased Mobility
Increased Quality of Life
Increased Cardiopulmonary Function
Increased Lean Muscle Tissue
Improved Mood
Increased co-ordination and balance Improved self-esteem
Decreased illness Related Fatigue
Decreased Pain
Decreased Adverse Weight Gain
Decreased stress & anxiety
Discover more about Emma, her expertise and retreats on her website flowpilatesmovement.co.uk